K-Line F-Unit Fuel Tank Problem

That would be zinc rot.

One way to approach it is as a modeler - find a replacement (good or not?), adapt one from another loco/brand that looks fairly correct, or make one. These can be made from styrene and/or basswood. Painted and screwed on, you won't be able to tell the difference at a glance, or maybe even close up, depending on your job.

My point is, this is model railroading, and being able to build at least simple things puts you at that much less at the mercy of manufacturers, suppliers, eBay and train shows. Pick your battles, but when you can build it, it works well/looks good, that's a win. Satisfying, too. What's the worse that could happen? You advance your skills and get practice. That "fuel tank" is mostly hidden under the loco and really consists of just basic shapes.

3D print?

check out Lionel parts they have F3 fuel tanks, which might fit.  You try  find someone on the web site who has a lionel F3 get the size and compare to K-line.  If close you might be able to modify to get a good fit. Or as Alan said a 3D print.

Marty

Thanks for the replies.  Yes I agree I could "hand craft" a replacement, it is a fairly simple part.  However I am guessing that the set I bought isn't the only one that had this problem.  So my reason for posting was if someone else has already found a solution, why "reinvent the wheel".  Yes, I understand the personal accomplishment aspect.

As far as 3D printing, I don't personally have a printer.  If I was still working, if after finding there isn't a direct replacement or close match I had that option.  On the other hand if 10 guys respond to this saying they also need that part, might be worth buying a printer and then offering replacements.  Alternative is to create a 3D file and send it out to be printed, at work I sometimes did that if we needed multiple prototypes.

One of the great feature of this forum is that there is a lot of expertise when questions are asked, so hope someone has the "easy (lazy man's) answer".

jim

send me an .stl file that you made and I'll print it for you in gray resin..

@AlanRail posted:

jim

send me an .stl file that you made and I'll print it for you in gray resin..

Thanks Alan lets gives this a few days.

If I don't get an "easy way out" I can measure up the good tank.  I don't need a speaker so probably would make a prototypical version.  My guess is most real Fuel Tanks don't have an open sieve bottom.  Actually while I'm at it, would make 2 files.

Jim

Don't talk about sales or the thread could be stopped.

Thanks

Jim

contact me on the Private Messages if you can or email me.

@D500 posted:

One way to approach it is as a modeler - find a replacement (good or not?), adapt one from another loco/brand that looks fairly correct, or make one. These can be made from styrene and/or basswood. Painted and screwed on, you won't be able to tell the difference at a glance, or maybe even close up, depending on your job.

My point is, this is model railroading, and being able to build at least simple things puts you at that much less at the mercy of manufacturers, suppliers, eBay and train shows. Pick your battles, but when you can build it, it works well/looks good, that's a win. Satisfying, too. What's the worse that could happen? You advance your skills and get practice. That "fuel tank" is mostly hidden under the loco and really consists of just basic shapes.

That is always my first place to look. Lionel has some that look like they would work, almost identical and not expensive.

Pete

Check Trainz.com they have K-Line parts.

I cannot make any promises it will fit but your photos look very similar to FC2100131 FUEL TANK / BLACK / W/SPEAKER HOLES / PREMIER F-3 from mthpartsandsales.com. The only apparent difference is the mounting holes: the MTH looks like it screws into the frame from the bottom where yours looks like it screws in from the top.

Thank you that all that replied and offered sources for parts.  I did some additional checking, it appears MTH is the closest match to K-Line.  I found FC2101357 on the MTH site which is already painted the correct Grey Color.

I also had a forum member see this, he offer a used K-Line Tank.